The short answer
A functional beverage is a drink with added ingredients chosen for a purpose beyond taste or hydration, like kava, kanna, adaptogens, mushrooms or L-theanine. The most interesting ones replace a moment you used to fill with alcohol or coffee.The short definition
Every drink does something: hydrates, wakes you up, tastes good. A functional beverage adds an ingredient chosen for a specific purpose. Electrolyte drinks were the first wave. Today the shelf is full of botanicals and adaptogens.
The main types
- Kava drinks. Made from a South Pacific root traditionally prepared as an evening drink. Our favorite category, and the most distinct experience. Best kava drinks.
- Kanna drinks. Made from a South African succulent with a social reputation. What is kanna?
- Botanical elixirs. Botanical Brewing's kratom-leaf cans, sorted by color for different times of day.
- Adaptogen drinks. Sodas and tonics with ashwagandha, rhodiola, reishi and similar herbs. Best adaptogen drinks.
- Mushroom drinks. Mostly coffee blends with lion's mane, chaga or reishi. Best mushroom coffee.
- Zero-proof spirits. Not functional in the strict sense, but built to replace a cocktail. Best non-alcoholic spirits.
How to choose
Start with the moment, not the ingredient. What are you trying to replace: the after-work beer, the 3pm coffee, the glass of wine at dinner? Then pick the category built for it.
- End of the workday: kava.
- Social plans: kanna, or a green elixir.
- Afternoon slump: a white elixir, or mushroom coffee.
- Cocktail hour: a zero-proof spirit.
Questions people ask
What is a functional beverage?
A drink with an added ingredient chosen for a purpose beyond flavor or hydration, like kava, kanna, adaptogens or mushrooms.
Are functional beverages healthy?
It depends on the drink. Check sugar, caffeine and ingredients, and talk to your doctor if you take medication.
What's the most popular functional drink right now?
Kava drinks and adaptogen sodas are two of the fastest-growing categories, alongside mushroom coffee.
